As the late afternoon sun dipped low in the sky, casting warm, golden hues across the backyard of their cozy wooden house, something unusual caught the eye. There, under the gentle sway of an ancient willow, Tang Yan was moving with an air of determination.
His movements were slow and a bit awkward, arms tracing deliberate paths through the fading light, feet shifting softly over the cool grass. Each gesture appeared simple on the surface, yet there was a hidden intensity behind it. It was rough, clumsy even, but it was undeniably something new.
✨ A Child Creating His Own Path
With a furrowed brow, Tang Yan concentrated deeply. He was earnestly attempting to create a bloodline stimulation exercise—an endeavor meant to awaken the dormant ancient energy within him. It was a quest for growth, a journey of self-discovery. Without a grasp of complex theories, he relied on his instincts, twisting, breathing, and moving with a passionate heart.
Despite countless failed attempts, he pressed on, driven by the spark of hope that ignited within him. His mind could hear the System's bored tone, but he refused to let the mocking discourage him.
✨ Tang San Notices
Watching quietly from the side of the house, Tang San initially thought his younger brother was merely goofing around. But as he observed the focus etched across Tang Yan's face, he felt that perhaps there was more to this than met the eye. Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, he walked over.
"What are you up to, Little Yan?" he inquired gently, his skepticism softened by a hint of curiosity.
With a bright grin, Tang Yan replied, "Something new!"
"It looks a bit... strange," Tang San admitted, tilting his head.
"Everything looks weird before it becomes amazing!" Tang Yan countered, laughter bubbling up in a way that made Tang San smile despite himself.
Concerned but intrigued, Tang San pressed on, "You're really not just playing around?"
"Seriously, this is training!" Tang Yan insisted, his resolve shining through.
Tang San crossed his arms, skepticism mixing with sibling worry. "Training? It looks like you're trying to fly."
With playful enthusiasm, Tang Yan spun around, almost losing his balance but somehow managing to keep his footing. "Not flying! Bloodline stimulation!"
Tang San blinked, confusion lacing his features. "Bloodline... stimulation?"
✨ The Truth Revealed
"Yes! Apparently, we're only using about one-tenth of our potential!" Tang Yan said, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Says who?" Tang San questioned, raising an eyebrow.
Proudly, Tang Yan proclaimed, "Our parents are planning special training for us!"
"That sounds like one of your pranks," Tang San responded flatly, though there was a hint of affection in his tone.
"No prank! I swear by my milk bottle!" Tang Yan declared dramatically.
"Not very convincing," Tang San replied, unable to hide a smirk.
Tang Yan's demeanor shifted to seriousness as he insisted, "I'm being truthful! This is important!"
"Prove it," Tang San challenged.
With unwavering determination, Tang Yan pointed out, "I heard it from Tianmeng Ice Silkworm Bug!"
Tang San blinked again, incredulous. "The squishy bug?"
✨ Convincing Big Brother
What followed was an earnest, albeit slightly painful negotiation.
"Tianmeng said our bodies are holding back without us knowing!" Tang Yan argued, genuine fervor spilling from his words.
"Tianmeng also claimed he was a mighty overlord, and I saw him trip over a leaf," Tang San retorted, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
"But he's strong in spirit!" Tang Yan defended, his sincerity shining through the playful banter.
"Mhm. Spirit bug," Tang San teased, enjoying their back-and-forth.
"No, really! We're restricting ourselves! We could be ten times stronger!" Tang Yan repeated earnestly.
"If I had a coin for every time you exaggerated..." Tang San began, but there was warmth in his tone.
"This time it's real! We're practicing to unlock our potential!" Tang Yan insisted, determination clear in his voice.
"Training by... flailing?" Tang San questioned, eyebrows raised in playful disbelief.
Tang Yan pouted slightly, "It's a delicate art!"
"Looks more like interpretive dance," Tang San teased, his laughter making the moment lighthearted.
"You'll regret laughing when I awaken my inner beast!" Tang Yan shot back, his tone half-serious, half-joking.
Tang San chuckled. "I'll believe it when I see it."
"Fine! Join me, then!" Tang Yan declared, the challenge hanging in the air.
"Is that a challenge?" Tang San asked, a grin spreading across his face.
"It's an invitation... to greatness!" Tang Yan replied, a spark of excitement igniting their shared sense of adventure.
Seeing the determination in his little brother's eyes softened Tang San's resolve. Perhaps there was something to this odd new training after all.
✨ Training Begins: Twin Flames Rise
As the sun set, painting the world in warm hues, both brothers moved side by side, guided by the bond they shared. Their initial awkwardness faded as they stumbled and laughed, even as they fumbled through the strange, playful movements. Slowly, however, they began to feel something stir within them—a quiet pulse from deep inside, like a whisper of possibility.
Their fists tightened, and their footing grew steadier. The hidden flames within flickered, not yet roaring to life, but ready to ignite.
In Tang Yan's mind, the System dramatized its emotions, pretending to weep over the moment. "Host grew up so fast! Sniff! From just slapping bugs to challenging brothers!"
With a sigh, Tang Yan responded, "You're hopeless."
"And proud of it!" the System quipped back mischievously, undeterred by Tang Yan's challenge.
✨ Progress Begins
Though their progress was small, it was significant. Both brothers felt their Soul-Body Synchronization Rates rise:
Tang Yan: 62% → 63%,
Tang San: 75% → 76%.
It was slow and challenging, yet undeniably real. As Tang Yan absorbed the moment, a fierce grin spread across his face. "Step by step… I'll catch up to you, big brother. Together, we'll shine brighter than anyone."
🌑 To be continued...